The Jagannath Temple in Hyderabad, is located in Plot No-1269, Road 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad ,Telangana State, India is a modern temple built by the Odia community of the city of Hyderabad dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath.
The Temple has been built by Kalinga Cultural Trust and consecrated in March 2009. The Temple is a replica of the Puri Jagannath Temple with close resemblance to it in many aspects famous for its annual Rathyatra festival attended by thousands of devotees. Jagannath means Lord of the Universe.
The temple strictly adheres to the principles of sanctity, equity, discipline and cleanliness. The temple is an architectural delight and is a destination to experience peace and tranquility. The temple premise vibrates with the energy of the divine and renders an unique and unforgettable feeling. Enter the precincts of the Majestic Lord Jagannath Temple at Road No.12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad and you will like to visit again and again being drawn closer to the God.
The idea of the Temple at the present location at Hyderabad was mooted in 1992 by a small group of Odias having deep reverence for "Lord Jagannath the highest expression of God and symbol of cosmic energy. Years passed by Homas, Yagnas, Pujas, Kirtans to invoke blessings of the Lord for construction of the Holy Temple went futile. Time was probably not ripe and God not unwilling. It was only in 2004; a series of unexpected development resulted in commencement of construction of the magnificent Temple as Artisans & Sculptors landed up on their own to complete the mission as if ordained by God. More than 100 devoted workers toiled for about five years and the construction of the main Temple and Temple for Lord Ganesh, Anjaneya Swamy, Maa Vimala, Maa Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Nabagrah was completed in March 2009. The Temple replicates the Puri Jagannath Temple with Vimana/Devla (Garbha Gruha), Mukhashala (Jagan Mohan), Nata Mandir (dancing hall) and Bhoga mandap (offering enclave). The intricate stone carvings, craftsmanship, sculptures of the temple arouse unique aesthetic feelings in devotees. The upa-Devalayams are equally spectacular and arouses spiritual feelings. The mythological and religious murals on the boundary wall consisting of history of construction of the Jagannath temple at Puri, Dasha Avatar and mysteries and miracles of God and Goddesses in different form and stage are educative and enlightening. The lighting of the temple has been artistically planned and gives a spectacular appearance at night.
Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra adorn the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple the Mukhya devalayam. The upa-devalayam of Lord Ganesh, Maa Vimala, Maa Laxmi, Sri Anjaneya Swamy, Lord Shiva (Kasi Viswanath) and Navagrahas deeply enhance the spiritual temper of the devotees.
Shree Jagannath i.e. Jagat (the universe), Nath (the Lord) the Lord of the Universe is the manifestation of knowledge, power, majesty, strength, energy and self-sufficiency. He is the remover of sin, savior of the fallen soul and giver of salvation. Lord of the masses and Lord of the suffering humanity, He responds to all beyond the barrier of the caste, creed, religion faith and race.
The Temple with beautiful murals, intricate architecture, serene ambience and abundant spirituality attract huge visitors and also is a sought after destination for pilgrims on important occasions. Jagannath Nilayam, constructed by the Trust adjacent to the Temple provides excellent accommodation to the Temple staff and volunteers associated with the temple activities. CHAKADOLA- A unique Light and Sound Show on Jagannath Cult introduced in 2018 in the premises of the temple has been the cynosure of all activities associated with the temple. Created through a distinct Video Mapping Technology, it takes the viewers through the breath-taking journey of evolution of the Jagannath Cult. The Mahaprasad offered in the temple premises provides a heavenly experience to the taste buds of the devotees.
Architecture and Upa DevalayamsThe Temple is a replica of original Lord Jagannath Temple located at Shree Kshetra Puri with sanctum sanctorum (Vimana), the Mukhashala (Jagan Mohan), the Nata Mandir (Dancing Hall) and the Bhoga Mandir (the offering conclave). The Temple premises also pride itself with Upa devalayams and shrines of Lord Ganesh, Lord Kasi Viswanath, Maa Vimala, Maa Laxmi, Lord Hanuman and the Navagrahas.
The Temple is impressive standing tall at 72 ft as against 214 ft at Puri with intricate stone carvings, sculptures arousing aesthetic and divine feeling in devotees. The Temple is built by master craftsmen using tons of sand stone brought from Odisha and cement brick and mortars. The shrines of Lord Shiva (Kasi Viswanath), Lord Ganesh, Maa Vimala, Maa Laxmi, Shree Anjaneya Swamy and Navagrahas enclave are beautifully structured built with similar architectural aesthetics of Konark Temple. The Temple is spread over about 2500 sq yards as against 10.7 acres of Jagannath Dham Puri and facing east. There is enough circulation space around the Temple for "Pradakshana" by devotees.
The craftsmanship, carvings and murals on mythological themes on the compound wall of the Temple are unique and gives lot of insights in to several religious references and anecdotes. A very well maintained Temple with exemplary cleanliness is visited by thousands of devotees during week days and festivals. In a short period this temple has also become one of the best destinations for the tourist visiting Hyderabad.
The temple environment is very serene tranquil and peaceful. The cleanliness and sanctity is to be experienced. The vibrations touch the soul of the devotees especially on a visit in the morning or evening. A committed team of volunteers, karsevaks, archakas and executives keep alive the temple traditions of Odisha to the delight of devotees.
The main temple is curvilinear and crowing the top is Srichakra or Nilachakra (an eight spoke wheel of Vishnu) made out of Ashtadhatu and is considered sacrosanct.
The pyramidal roof of surrounding temple rise in steps towards the tower like a ridge of mountain peak.
Five other Holy Shrines of Lord Kasi Viswanath, Ganesh, Maa Vimala, Laxmi and Anjaneya Swamy and the mandapam of Navagraha which are also located within the premises resembles the architectural beauty of the main temple like a mountain with ridges like steps. Some devotees find resemblance of these temples with pagoda shape of remains of the famous Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha. The sculpture and designs are very impressive and are viewers delight. These temples get illuminated during the nights. The idols of deities are of stone unlike that of the triad of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra made out of wood. The stone idols are cladded with silver ornaments during festive occasions. Devotees have the scope for Pradakshyana around each of the temple. Sufficient circulation area is available in front of each of these temples for free movement of devotees. These temple timings are co-terminus with the timings of the main temple.
UPA-Devalayas: (Other shrines)
Five other Holy Shrines of Lord Kasi Viswanath, Ganesh, Maa Vimala, Laxmi and Anjaneya Swamy are located within the premises of Lord Jagannath temple. The mandapam of Navagraha is also located within the premises. These upa-devalayams resembles the architectural beauty of the main temple like a mountain with ridges like steps. Some devotees find resemblance of these temples with pagoda shape of remains of the famous Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha. The sculpture and designs are very impressive and are viewers delight. These temples get illuminated during the nights. The idols of deities are of stone unlike that of the triad of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra made out of wood. The stone idols are cladded with silver ornaments during festive occasions. Devotees have the scope for Pradakshyana around each of the temple. Sufficient circulation area is available in front of each of these temples for free movement of devotees. These temple timings are co-terminus with the timings of the main temple.
Significant Structure
COMPOUND WALL (The Meghanada pacheri): The Main temple and other shrines of Lord Ganesh, Kasivishwanah, Maa Laxmi, Bimala, Anjaneya swamy and Navagrahas are surrounded by wall adorned with mythological and religious Murals. The Murals are excellent pieces of art and are educative. The murals on the exterior wall near eastern gate- the singha dwara depict the story of construction of Jagannath temple in additions to several other depictions. The Dasavatar is one of the best attractions on the inside of the outer wall.
Dwaras (Entrances)
SIMHA DWARA: (Lions Gate or eastern gate) - It is one of the four entrances to the temple and considered the main entry. It is named so as on either side there are two colossal statues of couching lion with crowns on their head. The gate faces east and therefore is also known as Purva Dwara or the eastern gate. The gate is intricately designed and carved and is of artistic finery and beauty. During Ratha Jatra the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra is taken out to the chariot through this gate. The statue of Lord Mahalaxmi is at the top of the door. The door symbolizes the principle of Dharma and also the majesty of strength through the lion.
VYAGHRA DWARA: The Western door (Tiger gate) is guarded by two statues of Tiger is also known as Paschima dwara or Vyaghra dwara. It symbolizes Mokshya and Vairagya (Renunciation) and energy by different schools of believers.
HATHI DWARA: The northern door, the hathi dwara or Uttara Dwara is also symbolically indicated in this temple in view of constraint of access to temple from Northern side. This gate represents artha or prosperity different believers.
ASWA DWARA: The southern gate is guarded by two statues of horses. This Aswa dwara symbolically represent Kama or Gyana (Knowledge) or military powers.
Navagraha statues are placed on the all the gates in addition to small images of Shiva, Vishnu, Hanuman, Durga and Narasimha.
ARUNA STAMBHA: The pillar is named after Aruna the charioteer of the Sun God. In Puri it is a sixteen sided pillar (Height 25' 2'') circumference 6' 3.5". Aruna in prayer mode. An elegant and master piece of art.
It is placed before the temple as the Sun God is considered identical with Vishnu from Vedic times.
An Aruna stamba cladded with carved and designed brass plates adorn the Jagannath Temple at Hyderabad. Artistic and imposing it stands tall at 20 feet.
BAISI PAHACHA (Twenty two steps):
After entering the temple premises from the eastern gate one needs to climb 22 steps to proceed towards sanctum sanctorum of Lord Jagannath. In Puri temple each of these steps are 70ft in length 6ft in width and 6 to 7 inches in height. Here the steps are symbolic and does not confirm to this measurement. The steps are given a lot of divine significance and considered auspicious for numeracy holy activities. It is believed that during the car festival several Gods, Goddesses, demigods heavenly entities, souls of ancestors, Chitragupta and Yamadootas descend upon these steps to witness the Pahandi of Lord Jagannath during the Ratha Jatra/ Car festival.
Madan Mohan the representative idol of Lord Jagannath offers pindadana on these steps to His ancestors-Nanda and Yashoda, Devaki and Vasudeva, Koushalya and Dasaratha on chaturdashi theethi of the dark fortnight in the month of Margasira. He also offers pindadana to King Indradyumna who built the temple and queen Gundicha since they were childless. The steps are also called steps of self control as these steps represent 22 kinds of faults and weaknesses in human being.
Put a speck of dust from the surface of these steps on your forehead you get a sense of fulfillment and all your sins will disappear.
Children are made to roll down on the steps to bring them spiritual bliss and happiness.
Each of these sacred steps is named differently as:
1) Tidva 2)Kumundati 3) Manda 4) Chalobati 5)Dayabati 6) Rajani 7) Ratika 8) Raohi 9)Krodha 10)Bajrika 11)Prasavani 12) Priti 13)Marjana 14)Khati 15)Rakta 16)Sandhipani 17)Alapani 18)Mandanti 19)Rohini 20) Gamya 21)Ugra 22)Khorini
Crossing of 22 steps means crossing the 22 short comings to see the Lord. The short comings (Para Prakriti) are Kama, Sambhoga, Keli, Lova, Sancaya, Kosa or Panjikarana, Abhamaya, Himsa, Ersa, Kisunata, Kapata, Mithya, Hhuna, Ninda, Ajanta, Krodha , Raga, Dvesa, Ahankar, Mada or Parba, Uthkantha, Maithuna.
It is also believed that Baikuntha the abode of Lord Vishnu is situated above saptaloka, sapta patala and asta baikuntha (22 stages) one has to cross them to reach the Lord. Thus the steps in the temple to take the devotees to sanctum to have his Darshan.
Hyderabad temple also has 22 steps leading to Garuda stamba and to sanctum there after though not of same specification as that of Puri Temple.
GARUDA STAMBHA: Cosmic column which joins heaven and earth. Garuda is a vehicle of Lord Vishnu. Garuda is ever ready to serve the Lord with exemplary devotion and extraordinary power. Garuda is constantly watching the Lord on the Ratnavedi. Garuda Deva is installed on the column made out of wood and cladded with intricately woven brass at the entrance of Nata Mandir. The devotees before proceeding towards the sanctum touch and go into extraordinary devotion and a state of surrender to the Lord. A mere touch is assuring and arouses a cosmic connect with the devotee. Garuda Stambha is of same importance as Nandi in Shiva temple.
NILA CHAKRA: The Neela chakra or the Blue Wheel adorns the top of the temple. The wheel symbolizes the Sudarshan Chakra, the most powerful disc weapon of Lord Vishnu. The wheel is made out of alloys of eight metals consisting of iron, copper, Zinc, mercury, lead, brass, silver and gold.
The Neela chakra in Puri temple weighs 2200 Kgs and has a height of 11 ft 8 inches with a diameter of 7ft 6inches. There are 8 wheel bars in the chakra. The Neela chakra has eight Navagunjaras carved in the outer circumference all facing towards the flag post above. The Neela chakra in this temple is much similar but small in size and about 2'X3' in width and height and weighs about 100 Kgs.
Flag is flown tied to the mast attached to Nilachakra. It is a pious and holy act to offer the flags to the temple. The flags usually are in deep red or yellow in colour with crescent Moon and a Sun in white colour cloth in centre of flag. The flag changing ceremony is a breath taking exercise and a great attraction for the devotees.
Emergence of Lord JagannathAccording to Mahabharata, the Kurukshetra war resulted in the death of all the 100 sons of Gandhari. On the night before Duryodhana's death, Lord Krishna visited Gandhari to offer condolences. Gandhari felt that Lord Krishna knowingly did not put an end to the war. In a fit of rage and sorrow Gandhari cursed that Krishna along with everyone else from "Yadu" dynasty would perish after 36 years. Krishna himself knew and wanted this to happen as he felt that Yadavas have become "Adharmi" so he ended Gandhari's speech by saying Thathastu.
Later at a festival fight broke out between Yadavas who killed each other. His elder brother Balaram gave up his body using Yoga. Krishna retired into the forest and started meditating under a tree. The hunter"Jara Sabar" mistook Krishna's partly visible left foot for that of a Deer and shot an arrow wounding and killing him. When Jara realized he wept for the mistake on which Krishna told Jara "O Jara you were Vaali in your previous birth, killed by myself as Rama in Tretaya Yuga. You are reincarnated as hunter in Dwapara Yuga and had a chance to revenge your killing and since all acts are desired by me you need not worry for this.
On hearing this terrible news the five Pandava brothers quickly arrived on the scene. Lord Krishna gave them some good advices and took away heavenly power of Krishnakala from Arjun the best of Archer when Arjun pulled out the arrow from the wounded Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna left his mortarial body. The Pandavas carried the body to the Bay of Bengal and cremated there. The whole body was destroyed except for the heart which remained intact and indestructic. The body was thrown in to the sea.
Jara was watching the scene of obsequies in agony. He followed this unburnt part thrown in to the sea emanating brilliant luster, but finally able to fetch it. He was surprised that unburnt part had turned into blue stone. This blue stone was worshipped by him in a cave secretly and thereafter by his family heads in succession and continued till Sabar chief Viswabasu.
Nilamadhav was worshipped in secrecy and in deep forest. Even "Devatas" used to come at night and worship Lord Nilamadhav.
In the meanwhile Raja Indradyumna (Indradyumna a legendary figure and his historicity cannot be established on any safe frowned). King of Solar dynasty in Satyayuga ruling the city of Avanti an Malaya a great devotee of Lord Vishnu came to know of Nilamadhav and wanted to consecrate the extraordinary deity of Lord Vishnu. He deputed Brahmi Priest Vidyapati who married the daughter of Sabar Chief stain and marked the route to the cave through mustard seeds while being taken blind folded where Nilamadhav was being worshipped. After locating the route he returned to Avanti and informed the king Indradyumna about Nilamadhav. The King with his army accompanied by "Narada" marched to the secret spot. Furious King imprisoned "Viswabasu" the tribal chief and began his return disappointed. Crest fallen devotee of Lord Vishnu received a divine message to free the tribal chief and perform Ashwamedha Yagna. Narada assured the king of Lords blessing.
The King went to Nilagiri and performed the Yagnam. Lord Nilamadhav appeared in dream to King Indradyumna and informed Lord will appear in the form of Daru (Log of sacred wood) in the sea.
"I will manifest in the form of a very large fragrant, reddish log and the signs of Shanka, Chakra, Gada, Padma will be seen everywhere on that form. Go and take me out and make four deities and then you will be able to worship me. "On the next day the king got information about the floating of Daru with four branches.
The Daru was brought and placed on 'Mahavedi'. When Narada was discussing about crafting of deities a divine voice announced that the God himself will prepare his own image. While the king was thinking about this an old carpenter (said to be Lord himself in form of Viswakarma) appeared and offered to prepare the idol on condition that the door of the temple should remain shut and no one should enter or disturb for 21 days inside the temple. The king agreed to this condition. After 15 days when no sound of construction of image came from the room, the king and queen being impatient and doubtful opened the door and found the images remains unfinished and the carpenter has disappeared. In the meanwhile a heavenly voice declared "Oh king dress these four deities with silken garments and establish the deities on "Mahavedi". Accordingly the king worshipped the Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan uttering three "Suktas of the Rig Veda" which are symbols of Brahman. From that day traditional has associated with worship of deities at Purushottam known with the names of Madhav, Mahabahu, Padmalochan, Kala Thakura Chakanayan etc.,
Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu – the Lord of the Universe is the "Patitapabana" the savior and solace of the down trodden, the believer and the dependent. He is the Lord of Universe. A symbol of cosmic energy the highest expression of God. He is the manifestation knowledge, power, majesty, strength, energy and self sufficiency. He is the remover of sin, savior of the fallen soul and giver of salvation. Lord of the masses and Lord of the sufficiency humanity.
Jagannath is worshipped as Narayana (the cosmic sustainer of Universe or Vishnu when on Ratna Vedi in the sanctum sanctorum, as Ganesh (the destroyer of all obstacles) when on Snana Vedi during Snana festival as Rudra an expression of Shiva (the cosmic destroyer of Universe) during Nava kalevara Ceremony, as Durga (the source of all energy in the Sayana festival and as Surya (the synthesis of cosmic trio) when in the chariot during the Car festival.
Lord Jagannath responds to all beyond the barrian of caste, creed, religious faith and race. Jagannath as a form of Vishnu is non sectarian though there are several common aspects with Vaishnavism, Saivism, Shaktism, Smartism, Buddhism and Jainism.
Lord Jagannath is Avatari and not merely an Avatar of Vishnu. The Avatar (incarnation) emanates from him is the cause of all material creation. The Avatars after their cosmic play dissolute (Bilaya) in him (Jagannath). All the Avatars take their births for Lilas in this universe and at the end would merge in the self of Purna Brahma.
Lord Jagannath is Anantha (infinity, has no end) is Alekha (beyond description), Anadi (has no beginning, has life beyond evolution), Anam (without name) Nirguna (without attributes) Niranjan (without Stigma) Nirakara (without form). He is Purna Brahma, Sunya Purusa. He is Jagabandhu, the friend of the Universe.
Shree Jagannath is believed to a form of Vishnu and Lord Srikrishna. (Lord Jagannath is the Avatari i.e. cause of Avatars and not merely an Avatar). The Avatars after their cosmic play dissolute (Boliya) in him (Jagannath). Avatars take their birth for Lilas in this universe and would merge in the self of Purna Brahma. Legendary origin of Lord Jagannath is traced to Mahabharat.
Timings
The temple remains open for the devotees normally from 6 AM to 9 PM everyday and up to 10 PM on festival and special occasions with periodical pahadas (retreats). The rituals in the temple commence with Dwara Phita and Mangal Arati. Mailama (removal of dress, Tulsi, flowers etc). Abakasa (cleaning of teeth and bathing), mailam and veshas, kalas Jatra and Homas, Dwara puja, offering of Bhogas etc. take their sequence during the course of the day. Devotees participate in puja and rituals free of cost. However devotees can opt for special pujas and Archanas on nominal donations. Dry Prasads are available on sale within the premises. Anna Prasad is provided on advance requests on payment.
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